New Mexico United advanced to the Round of 32 in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night, scoring a dramatic 2-1 win over rival Phoenix Rising FC en route to the next stage. Goals from Greg Hurst and Josh Dolling paced the Black & Yellow, who played their first ever Cup match at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.
Greg Hurst got the scoring started for United just before halftime, as Daniel Bruce drove through the midfield and laid a pass off. Hurst fired from the left side of the box – a hit that was saved by Patrick Rakovsky, but rebounded into Hurst’s path. The Scottsman tucked to the far post for the game’s first tally, and his first for the Black & Yellow. On the stroke of halftime, some extracurricular activity would see Phoenix reduced to ten men, as Phoenix’s Baboucarr Njie was sent off for kicking out at Bruce. Shortly thereafter, a flurry of yellow cards were produced by the referee, ending the half on a sharp edge.
The 1-0 lead would hold for United until the 77th minute. A direct free kick from Manuel Arteaga would hit the crossbar, and the rebound bounced across the goal mouth as United goalkeeper Ford Parker made a terrific diving stop to clear the line. But that rebound bounced right to Carlos Harvey who tucked home the equalizer.
But United weren’t done. Ten minutes later it was Dolling’s turn to play the hero. The Englishman collected a headed clearance at the top of the box and hit it with his right foot. That first attempt was blocked, but immediately back to the forward, who hit it with his left, beyond a diving Rakovsky and into the back of the net for a lead United would not relinquish.
United Academy Product Alex Waggoner made his full pro debut on the evening and terrorized the Phoenix defense, creating several chances with terrific hold up play and tenacity. United will learn who it will face in the Open Cup Round of 32 on Thursday. The Open Cup Draw will be broadcast live at noon MT on the Bleacher Report app.
